A COMPUTER programmer from Letchworth GC has won an international playwriting competition after beating nearly 200 aspiring playwrights from 20 different countries.

Colin Hume, of Cross Street, won the Trinity College London’s annual prize despite only having ever written one play for children before entering the competition.

His winning play, Quest of the Four Princesses, is a modern day fairytale which can be performed by a cast of 17 children.

“This is the first time I have won a competition, it is absolutely thrilling,” said Colin, who heard about the competition through the Cambridge dramatic writing group WRiTEON!, which he attends.

“I wanted to create a fairy story with a modern twist. I think that a good play is all about characters and I have tried to create a lot of characters that children would enjoy playing.”

Colin has been inspired to write more following his competition win and added: “I have loved the theatre all my life.”

As well as receiving prize money of �1,000, Colin’s play will be performed at the Unicorn Theatre in London on January 14. Tickets to see Colin’s winning performance are free but limited and are available from www.trinitycollege.co.uk/event/playwritinggala